Cookie Cutter

Selling cookies to college students has proved a sound business model, and the owners of Hot Box Cookies recently opened their second location in downtown Lawrence, Kan.

Hot Box Cookies co-owner Corey Rimmel said he looked west to Lawrence because of its similarity to Columbia.

"It's very similar town to Columbia, and my concept really works well in a college town," he said. "Most of my business is the student population. Lawrence is a similar size, number of students and downtown setup. It's a perfect fit."

The store at 732 Massachusetts St. in downtown Lawrence opened about two weeks ago. It will deliver cookies and offer the same products available at the Columbia store: cookie cakes, milk (chocolate and regular), milkshakes and raw cookie dough, in addition to cookies.

Hot Box Cookies opened in downtown Columbia in October 2008. Rimmel, then a student at the University of Missouri, landed a spot next to Cool Stuff. After a falling out with the property owner, who was his partner in the business, and the sale of the building, Rimmel last year moved Hot Box Cookies to 1013 E. Broadway.

Rimmel said now seemed as good a time as any to open a second location. "Business has been doing great," he said.

There could be other cookie stores in the future. "My goal is to open up some more stores, as well," Rimmel said. "There are no targets yet, but maybe in six months to a year."